Hi Pop, I’m thinking about you today. I’m thinking about how you had a pretty bad childhood and how you were on your own by the time you were seventeen. I’m thinking about your years in the Navy and how your old stories inspired me to follow in your footsteps. I’m thinking about how hard you worked when we were young and how we always had what we needed even when you were one step away from being broke. I’m thinking about being a little boy and the way you used to let me lay with you when you’d take a nap. I’m thinking about how you put up with so much teenage angst and selfishness with steady love and wisdom. I’m thinking about your ambition and devotion to hard work. I’m thinking about the day you watched me graduate from high school and boot camp and how your smile told me how proud you were. I’m thinking about the way you took care of your dying parents without complaint at great costs emotionally and physically despite the way they treated you when you were young. I’m thinking about your love for being around people and how everyone loved being around you. I’m thinking about the way you beamed with love and affection for your grandkids and how they loved you back.
Finally I’m thinking about how life was taken from you early. I had the privilege to be at your side when you died. I think you knew how important you were and continue to be. Everyone I touch is also touched by you.
Thank you for everything Pop.
Love Mike
